You are here

Admissions FAQ

Answers to frequenty asked questions can be found here or you can contact admissions@otis.edu or (310) 665-6820.

Undergraduate FAQs

Applying

Q: How do I request a viewbook?

A: To request a viewbook, complete this form and we’ll mail one to you.

Q: How do I get feedback on my portfolio? Does Otis College participate in Portfolio Day?

A: You can schedule an appointment in our office to meet with an admissions counselor and discuss your portfolio. To schedule, call the Admissions office at 310.665.6820. National Portfolio Day events take place during the fall in cities throughout North America. The College will attend many of the events on the 2017-18 schedule. Portfolio Day is the perfect place to meet admissions counselors from art schools across the country and get recommendations on building your portfolio. To view a list of National Portfolio Day events, click here.

Q: Are SAT/ACTs required?

A: While SAT/ACTs test scores are not required for admission, we encourage students to submit them with the rest of their application materials. If you are an international student you will be required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE or an SAT/ACT test score to evaluate your proficiency in English.

Q: Are there specific classes I need to take in high school in order to be accepted?

A: Otis College does not require specific courses to be fulfilled to gain admission. However, all students are required to meet the requirements for high school graduation before enrolling at the College.

Q: Which of my AP classes will you accept for credit?

A: We award credit for AP History, Math and Science if a score of 3 or higher is received. In addition, we also award credit for AP English and Art History if a score of 4 or higher is received. If you meet these score requirements, you will receive exemption from the appropriate Liberal Arts and Sciences course.

Q: Do you require letters of recommendation?

A: Letters of recommendation are not required with your application, but you have the option to submit them with your application materials.

Q: Do you accept the Common App?

A: Otis College now accepts the Common App! You can add us to your list of colleges by going to www.otis.edu/commonapp.

Q: Can I send you a physical portfolio?

A: All portfolios will be reviewed digitally on SlideRoom through the Common App. Because we aren’t viewing your work in person, it is helpful for us if you use the description boxes to let us know important things about your work like the size, medium, and any critical information about understanding the content of the piece.

Q: Where do I send my supplemental items?

A: Official transcripts should be sent in sealed envelopes to Otis College of Art and Design, Attn: Admissions, 9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. If your school is sending them via email directly to us, they should send to admissions@otis.edu. We also accept official transcripts via Parchment/Common App. You can request that test scores are sent directly from the testing agency or from your school with your official transcript.

Q: I received a GED instead of a High School Diploma. What do I need to submit in terms of transcripts?

A: If earned a GED instead of a diploma, you’ll need to submit an official copy of your GED score, as well as official High School transcripts for any schools you may have attended.

Q: If I’m unable to attend, can I defer my application for next year?

A: Admitted students are permitted to defer their acceptance for up to one year. To defer your acceptance, email admissions@otis.edu and state the term that you would like to defer your application to.

Q: Can you double major?

A: Students at Otis College have a variety of ways to tailor their curriculum to their individual interests through their chosen major. While we don’t have double-majors, we have 18 minors and areas of emphasis which allow for a customized educational experience in a range of disciplines.

Q: What are your deadlines?

A: Applicants for the fall should apply by the priority deadline of February 15th. Applicants who want to apply for Early Action, can submit their application by December 15th. After these dates, applications will be received on a rolling basis as long as space remains available. Applicants for the spring should apply by the prioriaty deadline of November 15th.

Transferring

Q: What classes do you require for transfer students?

A: We evaluate each transfer applicant individually to see how the coursework they’ve completed aligns with the curriculum of the program they are applying for. Since we admit students to the foundation year, we don’t require that you’ve completed specific coursework or even studio art courses in order to be admitted. If you are seeking advanced placement in the sophomore year or higher, you should have completed a mixture of general education credits as well as studio art classes that align with the program you are seeking to enter. You will also need a portfolio of work that demonstrates you have the skills required to enter the level you are seeking. Students interested in transferring can have their transcripts evaluated by a counselor at admissions@otis.edu.

A: At this point in time we do not accept transfer students higher than the sophomore level for the Toy Design or Fashion Design Programs.

Q: What opportunities for travel do I have as an Otis College student? Does the College have semester-long exchange programs with other schools?

A: Otis College offers a robust travel study program where students can sign-up for classes where part of the course is taught abroad and takes place during the semester. Find out more information on the Travel Study page at www.otis.edu/travel-study-programs. The AICAD Exchange Program provides students with the opportunity to study for one semester at a participating art college, a few of which are located abroad.

Financial

Q: What is the deadline to be considered for scholarship? Is a separate application required to be considered?

A: While there isn’t a specific deadline to be considered for merit scholarships, funds are limited so we recommend that you submit your application for admission by the Priority Deadline of March 2nd. U.S. Citizens and permanent residents that would like to be considered for financial aid will also need to submit the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov using school code 001251.

Q: Can I attend Otis College part-time?

A: You have to be enrolled as a full-time student in order to receive any merit-based scholarships or financial aid. This would mean maintaining a schedule of at least 12 credits.

Q: What opportunities for internships and jobs do students have?

At Otis College, we have both work-study positions in the school as well as opportunities for our students to participate in internships. We have an annual intern fair where we invite companies from a variety of creative professions to meet our students and discuss internship opportunities. 80% of our internships are paid positions and many of our students have found that internships can lead to permanent positions after graduation.

Housing

Q: Is there on-campus housing at Otis College?

A: Yes! We opened a new Residence Hall on campus starting fall 2016. The new facility has both single and double rooms, study lounges, a dining hall, cafe, a new student center and much more. For more information, check out our housing page at www.otis.edu/housing-residence-life/housing-details.

Q: Do you need a car?

A: No, the College has a number of ways of supporting students to access the city of Los Angeles as well as the local Westside neighborhoods. This includes everything from public transportation and short-term car rentals. Also, the campus has comprehensive amenities such as a dining hall and art store, with grocery stores and eateries in easy walking distance to campus.

Graduate FAQs

Q: Why can’t I find the option to apply for fall on the application for the MFA Graphic Design program?

A: The MFA Graphic Design program is summer entry only.

Q: The MFA Graphic Design program is described as a limited-residency program. Can I complete the degree online, from a distance and/or without moving to Los Angeles?

A: The program is two years and two months in total and composed of three consecutive full-time summers (completed on-site) with two part-time spring semesters (that can be completed on or off-site). Incoming students begin the program at the start of each summer session. International Students can expect to attend the program full-time throughout in order to maintain student visa requirements.

Q: Does Otis College offer housing for graduate students?

A: Yes, graduate students attending full-time can apply for on-campus student housing. More information is available on the Residence Life page at www.otis.edu/housing-residence-life.

Q: How do graduate students fund their education?

A: Otis graduate students typically fund their education through a combination of scholarship, financial aid, student loans and part-time work. Graduate departments award scholarships based on merit. These scholarships vary in amount and graduate scholarships do not provide full funding. The College offers on-campus work for pre-approved students. These positions vary and include: teaching assistantships, researching assistantships, tutoring, as well as assisting departments with office work, tours and special events.

Q: How can I learn more about the graduate programs? Does Otis College offer tours for prospective graduate students?

A: The admissions office provides daily one-on-one counseling for student interested in the graduate programs. Register for an appointment here. Please know that our graduate programs occupy different locations on the west side of Los Angeles. Graduate Fine Arts and Social Practice is located in Culver City and Graduate Graphic Design and Writing are located on our main campus in Westchester. However, the main campus offers facilities, workshops and resources shared by all programs.

Q: Can I take just one or two classes from the graduate curriculum?

A: If you are interested in taking a few classes and not earning a degree, please take a look at the courses offered through Extension.